Cougars LB/DE Eiland building on brilliance of 2012 finale

By Joseph Duarte |
March 4, 2013

Spring football practice began Monday, and Eiland, a sophomore walk-on, could play a central role in the Cougars' defensive plans for next season

Photo By Joseph Duarte/Houston Chronicle

Eiland, 23, originally signed to play baseball at Texas A&M but turned pro after being drafted in the second round in 2007

If it was an audition, Eric Eiland had plenty of highlight-worthy plays in the University of Houston's season finale against Tulane.

Four tackles.

One sack.

One interception.

A forced fumble.

A fumble recovery.

"It shows I can compete," said Eiland, who played at Lamar High School. "It was an all-around good game."

The timing of Eiland's performance — his first meaningful football game in five years — couldn't have been more impeccable as the Cougars underwent staff changes in the offseason with the hiring of new defensive coordinator David Gibbs.

Spring football practice began Monday, and Eiland, a sophomore walk-on, could play a central role in the Cougars' defensive plans for next season. He'll be used as a stand-up linebacker in a four-man front, giving the Cougars a much-needed speed pass rusher off the edge, and still be versatile enough to line up at defensive end.

"He's got a long way to go," Gibbs said. "We're hoping he can be that piece."

When Eiland played more than half the snaps against Tulane last November, it was his most extensive game action in five years after he spent time playing center field in the Toronto Blue Jays' minor league system.

Eiland, 23, originally signed to play baseball at Texas A&M but turned pro after being drafted in the second round in 2007. Eiland reached high Class A before deciding to quit baseball and give football another try.

"Basically, I told myself I would play until as far as I got," Eiland said. "If it didn't work out, I had football, and I've always loved football. I miss baseball, but it's a good opportunity."

The Cougars envision Eiland's using his quickness on the edge like Sammy Brown a few years ago. He's also big and strong enough — 6-2 and having gained 20 pounds to 235 since arriving last summer — to play defensive end. The Cougars also will take a look at Trevor Harris, a mid-year enrollee from ASA College, in the same role.

"He can run, jump, and he's strong," Gibbs said of Eiland. "We're trying to find a place and get our best players on the field — and he's one of those guys."

It also means another position switch for Eiland, who arrived as a safety before moving to linebacker and now his new role.

"I always like to be around the ball, so this gives me an opportunity to make plays," he said. "As long as I get to be on the field and show my talent, I'm happy (wherever they play me)."